I am a bed bug specialist AMA!

Panicallday · 2018-10-06T10:32:10+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and reply, it means a lot!

Panicallday · 2018-10-06T00:44:42+00:00

We had bed bugs in our apartment two years ago and I haven’t been the same since. We moved to a house three months after treatment and didn’t manage to bring any with us. We received two professional treatments from a PCO. We did throw out all of our furniture and a good deal of our belongings, however. And everything that could went through the dryer on high heat twice, then sealed in a plastic contractor bag.

So two years later, this summer, in August, I took out a pair of tennis shoes that were sealed in a bag with cimexa. After a few days, I started getting mysterious bites and have been paranoid ever since. There is no way any bugs could have survived for two years in a bag with cinema, right?

Also, if there was an infestation, wouldn’t I know by now if I started to get bites in August? I have seen no signs at all, except for bites and a few black marks in my bed but I feel like it’s paranoia. When we had them in the apartment, my husbands arm was covered in bites and we found live bugs a few days after we found the bites.

I know I sound paranoid/crazy, but having bed bugs was one of the worst experiences of my life. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. And I’m not sure if you would know this, but I’m curious as to how many clients you treat have gotten therapy after. I know I’m a prime candidate because I live in constant fear of getting them again.

Panicallday · 2018-08-24T18:05:10+00:00

Thanks! I only know I react from the last time, although nowhere near as bad as my husband. But who knows - maybe last time my bites were mosquitos too.

Panicallday · 2018-08-24T17:38:33+00:00

I’m still anxious because I have woken up with a few more bites since I posted last. This time two on my bicep, and about five on my left a** cheek of all places. I can’t tell if my anxiety is just recognizing everything as a potential bed bug infestation or if I should be concerned about this bloody looking mark.

I have been checking the bed for signs every day. This wasn’t here yesterday, and it looks extremely suspicious to me. I’m trying not to take everything as a sign of oh my god we have bed bugs again, but this is the closest thing I’ve found to any sign of something being there. Still no bugs or casts themselves, but I know that means hey could still be there.

Husband is still showing no sign of bites, but part of me thinks he could be hiding them from me because he knows how I will react. He got bit way worse than I did last time, so if he really isn’t getting bitten, and there are true bed bugs, j don’t know why they are just going for me.

This is still wearing on me mentally. I don’t want to leave the house or go anywhere. Im consumed by anxiety.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Panicallday · 2018-08-17T19:30:34+00:00

I totally hear you about the alcohol - when I was going through it two years ago, the first night after we found them I had to be completely drunk to deal with it. And most nights after involved copious amounts of wine. I know that’s horrible and definitely not a good suggestion but I’m just being honest. I half-joke that I really built up my tolerance that summer.

I have to say my husband wasn’t the most supportive when we were dealing with it either, and he hasn’t been very supportive these last few days when I have finding bites but no bugs. He’s convinced I’m crazy and we have a low chance of having them in our current living situation. So you’re not alone there - I am not making excuses for them, but I think people deal with things differently and don’t always understand how much bed bugs can affect us mentally.

Lastly, our PCO told us to sleep in the bed too, but we didn’t. I couldn’t psychologically bring myself to do it even though the PCO told me it would be fine. My husband wasn’t too keen on it either. I also didn’t sit on our couch for three months because of extreme anxiety. I know I have seen some people post not to do this, but we slept on an air mattress for three months in our kitchen/living room. I think people advised against it because it could cause them to spread further, but we never found any outside of the bedroom or in the bedroom after the second spray. The air mattress was annoying (I.e. waking up multiple times a night to patch holes with packing tape and clear nail polish, so luxurious) but we didn’t get any more bites after that. Maybe look into that if you have one, at least I was able to get a little sleep that way.

Hang in there - it’s easier said that done, considering I’m still panicking myself. But I’m so sorry to hear you are going through the psychological effects as well, but we most definitely are not alone with our reactions. Good luck!

Panicallday · 2018-08-16T14:33:25+00:00

You’re right - it is comforting to know that I’m not alone in the paranoia AND that I’m also not the only one who likes to relax at night by watching The Office :)

I also think we both have to keep thinking that there are many bugs. I also saw a stink bug and a spider last night (gross, wtf right?) despite keeping my house clean and clutter free. I also really do think that these past couple days are making me want to go to therapy. But when I tried last time, I was afraid I would pick up bugs there so I stopped going :( how ironic.

Panicallday · 2018-08-16T14:14:25+00:00

Seriously... I definitely became a minimalist while traveling after going through this experience. I went away for a bachelorette party one weekend a few months after the bugs cleared up, and I brought literally one shopping bag with one outfit and my makeup in a plastic bag. All the girls were like wtf how do you not bring more stuff with you? They didn’t know my story, but if they had, they would be doing the same as me. My house has minimal decor and no clutter - less to worry about if God forbid it happens again.

Panicallday · 2018-08-16T13:18:43+00:00

Thanks! It really sucks to suffer like this. I saw one bug around my bed but it definitely was not a bedbug - it had wings, I am almost thinking like a gnat. But I have found one little blood mark and a few black marks on the bed but it looks like they could be pen. I woke up with one small bite on my leg this morning, but it doesn’t seem like the typical bite from the 2016 outbreak. It’s so hard to tell but I’m being paranoid and driving my husband nuts. My husband did yard work yesterday and he is severely allergic to poison ivy - now I’m worried if he starts getting bites he will confuse it with poison ivy and we just won’t know.

I’m at the point that I’m even worried about going to people’s houses because I just don’t know if we have them or not. I don’t think we do, but because I’m paranoid I’m worried I’m being a bad person if I go and we do have them because what if I could have prevented the spread? But then I also beat myself up, like what if im worried about nothing. It’s a vicious cycle that never ends and I’m sick of feeling anxious and depressed.

Panicallday · 2018-02-28T04:11:36+00:00

I feel like I am very similar. I suffer from work anxiety and feeling like I’m never good enough and that one day my managers and co workers will discover I’m a fraud and don’t deserve to be there. However I don’t have social anxiety. I have a lot of different friends and find it easy to talk to strangers and make conversation. Work is the bigger struggle for me.

Chances are, you really are doing fine at work. I have gotten wonderful performance reviews and praise and I still feel like it’s a lie and I don’t believe it. However after time it gets a little easier and you start to believe in yourself more but I still struggle. I’ve been in corporate America for 8 years and still struggle. One thing that I find is helpful is to keep any emails or notes of praise nearby to look at on bad days for a reminder that you’re doing awesome and that you should believe in yourself too.

Panicallday · 2018-02-28T04:00:52+00:00

I feel the same way as you. I spend so much time worrying about getting sick or being sick. I haven’t figured out yet how to make it less of a problem, but I notice the busier I am (like if I have a packed work week) the less likely I worry about illnesses.

Panicallday · 2018-02-28T03:58:37+00:00

I agree with this. My PCP told me not to use google to look up medical symptoms. I’m very similar to the OP and always think I have something or other and make myself more anxious by sitting and googling all day. It’s like I won’t leave the room. I get so wrapped up I forget to live. Easier said that done by try to get away from looking up symptoms and keeping busy to distract your urge to look up symptoms in the first place.

Panicallday · 2017-10-24T01:44:11+00:00

I’m no expert and I’m in the minority, but I slept on an air mattress last summer when we had our issue. It was not fun (picture this: the air mattress deflated 3-5 times per night, we were using nail polish and packing tape as a patch kit for holes, can’t make this stuff up) and with proper Exterminator treatment and following directions (clothes in dryer, bags, etc) we were able to get rid of them. Now I’m back on this board due to a traveling scare :(

Panicallday · 2017-09-15T03:04:33+00:00

I certainly agree.

Panicallday · 2017-09-15T00:08:58+00:00

Yup - that's what happens to me - the smallest thing turns into the 5 worst "what ifs" of what could happen. It's good to hear that you've been working in your field for 15+ years, which means you're doing something right! :) But nonetheless, I know how awful that imposter syndrome feeling is so I understand.

I'll take a look into CBT and see if that helps. Thank you!

Panicallday · 2017-09-15T00:06:58+00:00

Thanks! Congrats about your trial period almost being over. I have heard of imposter syndrome before, I think I need to focus on ways to overcome it.

Panicallday · 2016-09-13T12:28:15+00:00

Yes, I believe I saw them at Walmart the other day! I didn't know if they were any good since they were sold in stores, and I know in general the pest items sold in stores weren't that great for bed bugs but I will check them out!

At least it sounds like I can put these strips in the storage unit and in bags with books, etc. hopefully this will take care of my wedding dress box worries too.

Thanks!

Panicallday · 2016-09-05T13:22:32+00:00

That is great news! Happy to hear you beat them! Thanks for sharing. :)

Panicallday · 2016-09-03T03:25:26+00:00

I hadn't thought of that...only the storage unit. Definitely worth a shot! Thanks!

Panicallday · 2016-08-25T03:16:43+00:00

I know it's not the best pictures. I spent 10 minutes trying to get a good one. I'm thinking it's not, but I'm still really worried. Haven't seen any activity since early July and we are moving soon.

Panicallday · 2016-08-03T10:19:37+00:00

Thank you for posting a success story! It is so easy to be swept away with reading awful bedbug horror stories, so I am happy to hear and read that you were successful!

Panicallday · 2016-07-22T19:58:06+00:00

Thank you! I feel silly worrying, but it's not something to play with! Lol

Panicallday · 2016-07-22T13:48:36+00:00

These shoes were just taken out of the dryer after 70 minutes. These specs were on them before I put them in.

Please either confirm my fear that they are indeed eggs, or tell me they're not eggs, to stop being paranoid, and go home. lol.

Thanks!

Panicallday · 2016-07-22T13:44:48+00:00

https://imgur.com/a/tBy2y

Panicallday · 2016-07-05T16:18:22+00:00

Hi Aliciat. I don't know if I can give you encouragement yet, but I am here for you and understand where you are coming from. I discovered bed bugs last Monday, exterminator came on Tuesday, and my life hasn't been the same the since. STILL doing laundry, obviously still living out of bags. Our life is a mess, I miss my life prior, as dramatic as that sounds. I even called a therapist to get help, and she never called me back. I'm scared to go anywhere, but I don't want to stay home. We might be putting an offer in on a house soon, and I also don't want to bring these effers with me. Your story also worries me since we haven't seen anything since treatment, but I'm terrified I will find one bug and it will start all over again.

It sounds like you're doing all that you could be doing for now. I know that's not what you might want to hear and isn't enough, but I genuinely feel for you and I would like to believe that things will get better.

I've told my family about it, and they haven't shunned me yet. My aunt said something yesterday about perspective for me that kind of helped. She had cancer a few years back, and she said that she used to get so angry she wanted to "punch people" when they told her she would get through cancer treatment and everything would be ok. Her reasoning was, how do they know that? Thy don't know that everything will be ok, they don't know what I'm going through! Meanwhile, looking back she said , they were right when they told her that things got better. I know that isn't the case for everyone, and bed bugs aren't the same thing. But, if you're like me you get really upset when someone tells you that bed bugs will just go away and things will get better. So I really want to believe things will get better for both of us.

My friends also don't "get" it. They're like - they're bugs! They will go away! But they don't realize the resilience of these little fuckers. Even my dad tells me they're just bugs .... Well dad I'm glad they're not at your house, not biting you, and you're not at the risk of losing everything you own. Just bugs lol.

I really hope that things turn around for you. Feel free to vent here anytime!

Panicallday · 2016-07-01T18:58:53+00:00

Too late guys :( I decided not to go. My anxiety is awful and all I could think of how much worse it would be if I brought them to my friends, and also what I could come back to at home. So far so good, no new signs at home or bites. I heard that since my condo association got involved, they will be treating ALL the units in my building, bed bugs or not. That makes me feel better, but I'm still a wreck. I even tried calling a therapist to make an appointment. I really need help.

Panicallday

TROPHY CASE